Stop and Get a Massage

Massages are not only wonderfully relaxing; they are incredibly beneficial for your wellbeing. Most of us are in a state of stress that is so common in our lives we tend to think of it as our standard condition and stop recognizing it as stress.

This kind of tension causes shallow breathing through the chest rather than through the belly using the diaphragm to fill our lungs. If we aren't consciously thinking about it, this way of breathing continues and places us in an ongoing sympathetic nervous state. What does that mean? It means you remain in a fight or flight mode where your heart rate, digestion, and mental capacity are concerned.

Without even being conscious of the fact, you are damaging your system unnecessarily.
An excellent way to trigger a balancing effect is to get a massage, especially around the neck or the feet. These areas connect to the Vagus nerve, a component of stimulating the relaxation response in your body. Activating this nerve releases stress instantly and allows your system to enter the maintenance phase.

Stress consumes precious resources to keep you alert and prepared to survive; digestion is slowed down, heart rate increases to push more blood through, and sleep diminishes as adrenal glands kick in. When your body goes into a maintenance mode, the standard functions start working again to break down foods to obtain the nutrients. Your heart rate slows, relieving pressure on your organs and your ability to sleep dramatically increases as your literally calm down your physical being.

Having a body massage initiates these wonderful health benefits. You walk away feeling more serene and capable of handling the day where little annoyances stop being triggers for big blowups.

Some think of massages as indulgences or being spoiled. In fact, it is a wise health choice that can save hundreds of dollars in medical treatment because you are treating the problem of constant stress rather than treating symptoms like headaches, backaches, high blood pressure, and insomnia just to name a few!

Massage is a natural and non-invasive way to help your body heal and maintain balance. Many find they are more productive, think clearer, and sleep more fitfully with regular massage sessions.

So, stop and get a massage. It may be the best gift you can give yourself or someone else!